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Untangling the complex inter-relationships between horse managers' perceptions of effectiveness of biosecurity
Kathrin Schemann1, Fraser I Lewis, Simon M Firestone
1Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, 425 Werombi Road, Camden, NSW 2570, Australia. kathrin.schemann@sydney.edu.au
Bayesian network modeling reveals distinct perceptions of biosecurity effectiveness among horse managers. Findings suggest tailored education strategies are needed for movement restrictions, access control, and hygiene practices to improve on-farm biosecurity.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Epidemiology
- Animal Health Management
- Statistical Modeling
Background:
- On-farm biosecurity is crucial for preventing infections in animal populations.
- Existing regression models struggle to analyze complex interrelationships in biosecurity data.
- Bayesian network modeling offers a robust alternative for exploring these connections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore interrelationships between horse managers' perceptions of on-farm biosecurity effectiveness.
- To identify patterns in beliefs regarding different biosecurity measures.
- To inform targeted biosecurity education strategies for horse managers.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Bayesian network modeling on data from 200 Australian horse managers post-equine influenza outbreak.
- Employed an exact search algorithm to identify optimal model structure directly from data.
- Applied parametric bootstrapping to prune the model and prevent over-fitting.
Main Results:
- Perceptions of movement restrictions and access control effectiveness were linked but separate from hygiene practices.
- Belief in movement restriction effectiveness correlated with belief in reduced personal contact and professional visit control.
- Belief in hygiene measures (disinfection, handwashing) clustered together.
- Belief in vehicle disinfection effectiveness was inversely related to belief in access control effectiveness.
Conclusions:
- Horse managers' perceptions of biosecurity effectiveness are complex and multivariate.
- Distinct clusters of beliefs exist regarding access control/movement restrictions versus hygiene measures.
- Tailored extension education strategies are recommended based on managers' specific beliefs to enhance biosecurity adoption.
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